Our new OCR Level 2 qualification in IT will develop the skills and knowledge that you need to progress to our Level 3 computing pathways in either Games Development, System Support; Networking or employment.
Designed to meet the needs of today's businesses, this hands-on, applied qualification will give you a chance to gain a nationally recognised vocational qualification with an opportunity to retake English and/or maths and achieve a grade 4.
What makes Computing at HRC Special?
- You will work with employers on work placement to develop your employability and communication skills
- You will be taught by industry-trained lecturers
- Develop your English and maths whilst studying a vocational course of your choice
- A great way to start a career in computing
- Top of the range equipment and facilities
What do our students say?
"This is the best teaching experience I have had so far and is helping me achieve the targets and qualifications I wish for"
"I'm currently studying IT Level 2 users skills and I'm enjoying the course. The teachers are there to help me when I need help and their feedback helps me to find what I need to change or improve on"
Career Destinations
We are proud that our students go onto careers including:
- Helpdesk Technician
- ICT Call Centre
- Trainee Network Technician/Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Systems Engineer
What can I do next?
Upon achieving an overall grade of merit or higher and evidence of progressing in English and/or maths you can progress on to Level 3 or enter employment
What will I be doing?
Below are some examples of units you may undertake when you study here:
- IT Support
- IT Security
- Communicating in the IT industry
- Working in the IT industry
- Database Systems
- Mobile communications technology
- Understanding cloud computing
- Understanding Big Data
- Computer systems
- Fault diagnosis and remedy
- Installing computer hardware
- Setting up an IT network
Added Extras
Enrichment activities (such as field trips and visits) are essential to the course and you will be encouraged to participate. Thirty hours of work experience will also form part of the course and Independent Study to help develop existing skillset.
How will I be assessed?
The course is made up of 7 units covered over one year. All assessments are portfolio-based through a variety of methods, eg reports, presentations, discussions and practicals.
Functional Skills/GCSE English and/or maths assessment is based on coursework and external assessment.
Entry requirements
- Merit on a suitable Level 1 qualification such as the BTEC Introductory Diploma Level 1 in IT
- Grade 3 GCSE in English or equivalent
- Grade 2 GCSE maths or equivalent
You will also need to demonstrate a keen interest in the computer industry and be well motivated and enthusiastic.
If you would like help understanding our entry requirements, give our Information Team a call on 01992 411411
What do I need to bring?
You will need a selection of note-taking items, including a notepad and pen plus a memory stick.
If you think you would benefit from financial support we have bursary options available for those who meet the criteria. Please note, this funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application.
If you would like financial support, contact our Information Team on 01992 411411 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Fee Information
Free to Home students under 19 on 31 August 2023.
If you are a Home student aged 19 or over on 31 August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £2,500 tuition fee for a Level 2 qualification and approximately £5,000 for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).
If you are aged 19-23 you may also be entitled to free tuition if the course you choose is on a government-approved list and the qualification is your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
If you are aged over 24 and you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to free tuition if the qualification is listed on the Government Free courses for jobs list. Similarly, if you already hold a Level 3 qualification (or above) and meet the Adult Education Budgets definition of unemployed or are in receipt of low wage, you may also be entitled to free tuition.
You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
For these costs please contact our Information Centre on 01992 411411 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
Additional Costs
You may also be required to pay an enrichment fee.
